Shari Mendes is the founder of the Israel Lemonade Fund, Israel’s first and only breast cancer emergency relief fund. Established in 2011, the fund provides financial support to breast cancer patients across Israel, helping them manage illness-related expenses.
Shari is originally from New Jersey and worked as an architect before making Aliyah with her husband, David, a physician, and their four children. Her experience surviving breast cancer inspired her to create the Lemonade Fund, turning her personal challenge into a source of hope for others.
Breast cancer, which affects one in every eight women in Israel, imposes a heavy burden on low-income patients and their families, who often struggle with additional expenses like childcare and transportation during treatment. The Lemonade Fund now operates nationwide, offering aid to all patients regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender, enabling them to focus on recovery without the additional burden of financial stress.
Shari’s family has embraced life in Israel, with most members serving in reserve duty throughout the current war. Most recently, the Mendes family celebrated the birth of their first grandchild.
Shari Mendes made Aliyah in 2003 from New Jersey.
